Hiroshi Hori DVM

Abstract

With time, the meaning of zoo has changed, it has to have more emphasis on animal welfare. Keeping animals in small cages is no longer acceptable. A new zoo is being built in Yokohama, scheduled to be opened in 1998. This paper introduces the outline of this new zoo.

Yokohama is located about 40 km west of Tokyo, with an area of 43,500 ha and a population of 3.2 million.

The first zoological gardens was established in April 1895 at Yokohama, it was provided with a amusement park.

After the closing of the amusement Park in 1964, the zoo facility was improved and the activities were expanded. In 1979, a children’s zoo with a collection of mainly domestic animals was opened, the likes of which we have not seen in modern cities. Following the initial collection based on popular animals, a third major addition that emphasized on endangered ungulates was completed in 1982.

At present Yokohama City has reserved an area of 103 ha at the northwest part of the city for a new zoological and botanical park with provisions for genealogical breeding facilities.

The exhibits have natural designs. Zoologically, we will exhibit all orders of vertebrates and have reserved a "Research Area" which is not open to the public. The "Research Area" is for breeding and research on genetic and clinical veterinary science. This is the first of its kind in Japan.

We are seeking the cooperation of zoos and institutes in other countries in the collection of the animals.